Table Mountain Plateau Run

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Table Mountain plateau run

Early start before the morning heat, we get into the first cable car up Table Mountain to the start of our trail run. The Table Mountain plateau run is not overly challenging but for some the rocky downhill to Echo valley and Platteklip gorge will keep you on your toes!

The trail

The first part of the trail on the plateau is nice and easy before getting down to the slippery rocky path into Echo Valley. Don’t burn all your matches too early as the pass gradually rises toward Table Mountain summit Maclear’s Beacon. From here it is all flat and easy to the start of Platteklip gorge. The rocky and challenging steep downhill Platteklip gorge will keep you focus all the way down and back to the lower cable car station. The trail is a combination of wooden walkways and single rocky path boasting exceptional views of Cape Town and the azure Atlantic Ocean.

Getting Geared

Sturdy trail running shoes and breathable socks, natural fibres such as mohair or wool. For the legs a lightweight and quick drying tights or shorts. For the upper body inner layer, lightweight, quick-drying, breathable long or short sleeved. Second layer with thermal long-sleeved base layer for cold or wet conditions. Outer layer, lightweight, windproof, water resistant breathable, insulated jacket. For headwear, quick drying peak caps or buff. For eyewear, quality polarised lenses, which can ajust as light conditions change. Hydration pack with a stable body fit and ventilated back.

Yoga and Trail Running

Yoga and running lie on opposite ends of the exercise spectrum but they actually combine strength and flexibility.

Strength and flexibility

If your body is off-balance it can often lead to repetitive strain injuries. Tight muscles tend to get tighter and compensating weak muscles weaker. Yoga can work specifically at balancing strength in the muscles that support and stabilise the skeleton system.

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